Update: Did Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee Cave to the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers? We Went to the Source!

The battle lines were drawn: Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers Maximum Leader Richard Ferruccio, long regarded as one of the most powerful Union Leaders in Lil Rhody, had called for an “Informational Picket Line” (Our words) to challenge Governor Dan McKee’s decision to formally place, as a 2025-2026 budget line item, the Adult Correctional Institute Minimum Security Facility on the chopping block.

This was not to be a simple picket line, say, on New London Avenue in Cranston. Leader Ferruccio, in writing, called for the action to take place at none other than the Warwick Crowne Plaza, before and during a major McKee fundraiser, to be held this past week.

And to be sure, the impact would have been devastating to the Governor’s Fundraising, which on a going forward basis, appears to be lagging compared to powerhouse Gubernatorial Candidates Shekarchi & Foulkes. While there are few cardinal rules amongst Democratic Electeds … Crossing a Union Picket Line? Strictly Forbidden. The Coalition spoke with several State Legislators, on background There was absolutely no appetite for stepping over that line, literally. Particularly for a Governor who has become deeply unpopular in Democratic circles.

Similarly, a post on Facebook, was equally provocative … Calling COs to action:

But alas … ’twas not to be … apparently, “Accommodations” were made! (Phew! After all, the jumbo shrimp cocktails were already on ice!)

The Governor, in the brief conversation above, seems to posture that all is well between the Administration and RIBCO, while insisting that the facility closure is still in the budget. What. Say. You? The Coalition will be reaching out to RIBCO for a additional comment.